The reappearance of fugitive Marokopa father Tom Phillips, dubbed New Zealand’s “hide-and-seek champion”, is raising eyebrows – not just because of the alledged burglary footage released by police, but because of the timing.
Phillips, who vanished with his three children in December 2021, has been the focus of one of the country’s most high-profile manhunts. Just weeks ago, his case was thrust back into the spotlight during an episode of Paddy Gower Has Issues, which was heavily promoted across mainstream media in a synchronised push. For some, it seems curious that Phillips would suddenly risk surfacing in rural Waikato so soon after being the subject of such national attention.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders said police believe Phillips and one of his children arrived at a Piopio store on a quad bike in the early hours of Wednesday, spending 13 minutes on site before departing with general grocery items. if Phillips is indeed receiving help from the community, why would he need to carry out a burglary at all? With strong bush survival skills, a man like Phillips could last months with only basic supplies – raising questions about why he would risk exposure on a noisy quad bike.
Speculation isn’t new in this case. When the alleged ANZ bank robbery in Te Kuiti was reported in 2023, online forums lit up with claims it wasn’t him, with some suggesting the incident may even have been staged to heighten public outrage. Police have always maintained Phillips is actively evading capture and continues to face serious charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Those who know Phillips have often described him positively - a caring father, highly intelligent, and with extraordinary survival skills. By contrast, the children’s mother is understood to have her own issues, with Oranga Tamariki holding custody of the three children rather than her. Phillips’ supporters argue he is motivated by keeping his children close and away from state care, in some ways I don’t blame him - state care in this country doesn’t have a good track record.
Tom Phillips is unlikely to surrender voluntarily. Police are reluctant to enter the King Country bush while he is allegedly armed and has the children with him, citing the danger such an operation could pose. Four years on, Phillips has proven he is capable of surviving against the odds and remains New Zealand’s hide-and-seek champion four years running.
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